East Fjords in Iceland: the coastal stage and Egilsstaðir

The route from Höfn to Egilsstaðir

On a complete Ring Road circuit, the East Fjords are a connecting stage with opportunities to stay. You can omit detours, but cannot simply skip the whole east. Travel from Höfn through Djúpivogur and Stöðvarfjörður to Fáskrúðsfjörður and onwards to Egilsstaðir. Route 1 uses the tunnel to Reyðarfjörður; the longer coastal road 955 is a separate detour. Check current road conditions instead of following the shortest suggested map connection. Stop for photographs only in permitted parking places.

One travelling day or two nights

On a ten-day trip, allow one Egilsstaðir night: arrive from Höfn and continue towards Mývatn the following day. Select one village stop, such as Djúpivogur, and a meal break en route. Two Egilsstaðir nights provide one full day for Hengifoss or Seyðisfjörður. That is a more useful extension than adding both outings to the Mývatn transfer. Stay in Fáskrúðsfjörður if the coast and French fishing history matter more than the lake outing; this replaces the first Egilsstaðir night.

Hengifoss: count the walk back

The regional tourism organisation gives roughly five kilometres return and 40–60 minutes uphill. Add the descent and breaks. The gravel path climbs with steps, passing Litlanesfoss along the way. Bring weather protection and grippy footwear, and keep back from steep canyon edges. With children, an earlier turnaround is more useful than promising an easy stroll all the way up. Combine the walking day with Lagarfljót, without adding a second major fjord outing.

Seyðisfjörður or another coastal stop

Seyðisfjörður is a detour from Egilsstaðir over a mountain road. Omit it in poor visibility or unsuitable road conditions. A short stay can focus on the harbour, village centre and a meal; allow for the return to the same base. Travellers already staying on the coast could explore Fáskrúðsfjörður instead. Stokksnes near Höfn is a separate visit with operator-controlled access, rather than a free roadside viewpoint or an essential part of every East Fjords stage.

Accommodation and costs along the stage

Egilsstaðir is a practical base before continuing north; a rural room is only an equivalent option when dinner, shopping and the actual access road work for you. Count rooms per night, cars per rental day and meals per person. The budget bands are rough planning estimates per person per day for two adults sharing a room and car, including meals and allocated fuel. Flights and separately booked activities are additional; these are not checked daily offers.

Planning sources

East Iceland – Fáskrúðsfjörður · East Iceland – Hengifoss · Safetravel – driving. Iceland itinerary.